Customize Your Presentation for Any Audience (Part 2 of 3), by Myra Corrello, PhD
October 23, 2008
Here are three more tips to help you connect with any audience:
- Use statistical analogies that are special to them. Effectively conveying statistics is often a challenging necessity. Most of us don’t process statistical data as easy as more conceptual information. Often, it’s hard to grasp the magnitude of what the statistics are supposed to convey. Your goal should be to look for measures your audience are very familiar with and then use those numbers as comparisons to the new data you’re presenting. For example, when I speak about the geographic devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I often compare the square mileage of the audience’s county or state (a size they’re very familiar with) to the total square mileage of the hurricane’s devastation. Often, the comparison is over 100 times the familiar comparison level. That catches attention. Especially if it is portrayed as a graphic. There are numerous websites full of interesting statistics that can be used for this type of comparison. Be creative!
- Tell a story and feature one of their referent leaders as the main character. One of the most effective ways to increase your presentation effectiveness is by crafting a great story that incorporates your key messages. Professional speakers rely heavily on signature stories as the cornerstone of their presentation – beautifully blending together ideas and emotions. A great story connects with your audience on emotional, personal, and intellectual levels. Increase the impact of the story by personalizing it to each new audience. Find a good sport within the organization that everyone knows and likes. Make that person the “star” of your story. Your meeting host will be a great source for identifying an ideal target. This is an especially effective technique if the story is slightly humorous. Just make sure to keep the story respectful and in good taste.
- Feature an item from the morning paper. Community news creates an instant common bond. Even better when you creatively weave it into your key points. If your presentation is in a different locality, you will score big points as an outsider for the extra effort to meet them on their turf. A local sports victory, a school recognition, or a new cultural attraction can be a great source of community pride. Find a way to give them kudos for their community accomplishment while reinforcing a key message in your presentation.
Using familiar statistics, a popular co-worker, or an item from the morning paper can make your presentation feel fresh and updated. What other techniques have you used to give your presentation a more customized touch?
Myra
Helping Individuals and Organizations Increase Their Image, Influence, and Impact
MyraCorrello.com
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